Local artists show off work at Holliston Mill

Sunday

Nov 5, 2017 at 12:01 AM

Jonathan Phelps @JPhelps_MW

HOLLISTON — Inside his studio at Holliston Mill, artist Jeff Perrott showed off his paintings as people casually walked in.

More than a dozen artists work out of the former shoe factory. On Saturday, anyone could drop in during the mill's annual open studios event, which features three floors of art, live music and refreshments. The event continues from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

"I think we need more of this," Perrott said. "Art has become such a specialty, especially in the MetroWest. People tend to think they need to go into Boston for a gallery or museum."

On the next floor up, Stephen Lantz of Medway and his family listened in as Erica Leigh performed her song "Our Love" on acoustic guitar. They dropped into the open studios after dance lessons in the complex.

Lantz said he had no idea what was inside, or what to expect.

"We saw the sign and decided to come in," he said. "I didn't know we had this type of (artist) community so close by."

Holliston artist Michael Frassinelli showed off pieces from a series called "Legend of the Pianistas," which centers around sculpture made entirely out of piano parts. He started the project 14 years ago.

"I had an old piano that I took apart," he said. To him all the random pieces started looking like artifacts.

"Art is kind of mysterious," Frassinelli said. "It is good to stop by and see the artists and talk with them about what inspires them or how they got started."

Richard Morris moved to Holliston from Natick about two months ago.

"This is our first time coming here and to the open studios," he said. "I'm really impressed with the art. There are a lot of great artists."

As a painter himself, he enjoyed walking around all the halls lined with art.

"It is wonderful to have this so close to where you live," he said.

Leigh, who grew up in town but now lives in Southborough, said she always loves performing at the mill.

"It is one of the best places to perform," she said. "You never know who you are going to meet or who you will reunite with."

Perrott, who lives in Holliston, said he's glad to take part in the open studios event.

"It is great for people to be able to experience great art in their community," he said.

Jonathan Phelps can be reached at 508-626-4338 or jphelps@wickedlocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @JPhelps_MW.